USC interim coach Clay Helton celebrates with wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) after Agholor's 17-yard touchdown reception was ruled good against Fresno State in the second quarter of the Royal Purple Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013 in Las Vegas. (David Cleveland/The Associated Press)

LAS VEGAS — USC interim coach Clay Helton won his first and only game as the Trojans’ coach Saturday but was rewarded because new coach Steve Sarkisian said he retained Helton as offensive coordinator for next season.

That was the main news from the Trojans’ 45-20 rout of Fresno State before 42,178 at the Las Vegas Bowl. The crowd was the second-largest in the history of Sam Boyd Stadium and second-largest in Las Vegas Bowl history.

USC players lingered on the field as long as possible, directing the band and posing for pictures with family, an indication that an initially sour season ended in a special way for the Trojans.

“There was a point in the season where we came together and played for each other instead of as individuals,” said quarterback Cody Kessler, who was named the game’s most valuable player. “We took an oath after Game 5 to make sure it’s a special season.”

That turning point coincided with the firing of former USC coach Lane Kiffin, and Saturday the Trojans looked nothing like last year’s Sun Bowl underachievers.

“We didn’t want to make the same mistake we made last year,” USC wide receiver Marqise Lee said. “Last year we had to apologize for the Sun Bowl.”

Lee caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns in one of his best games of the season. He said it was the first time he was 100-percent healthy since the season opener against Hawaii and even that game Lee played with a bruised shoulder.

“I was more relaxed and didn’t have to worry about how to avoid hits because I was hurt,” Lee said.

The Trojans (10-4) played more relaxed than at the Sun Bowl and with a certain amount of swagger as Helton instructed them to play with abandon. Helton demonstrated it by calling an onsides kick in the first quarter and having Kessler throw deep as often as possible.

“It was due (to the offensive line) and our receivers, who are freak athletes,” the ever-modest Kessler said. “They make plays. That’s why they came to USC. They get the ball and make plays. My job is easy.”

Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr would not say the same. USC’s defense held the nation’s leading passer to 217 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.

“We went out the right way,” USC safety Dion Bailey said of the defense. “They had 20 points but if you were watching the game you would understand how they had 20.”

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Fresno State scored one touchdown on a 41-yard interception return by safety Derron Smith and another after USC wide receiver Nelson Agholor fumbled a punt. Safety Josh Shaw, who intercepted a Carr pass in the end zone, credited defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast, who is expected to be replaced by Washington defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox.

“I’ve been in college football for four years now and have had a different defensive coordinator every year,” Shaw said. “Coach Pendergast is second to none.”

Kessler completed 22 of 30 passes with four touchdowns and one interception, a good audition for Sarkisian, who watched the game from the pressbox with athletic director Pat Haden.

Helton could still leave if he chooses to accept the offensive coordinator job at Florida or another job, but Sarkisian would like him to remain on the staff. Helton declined to discuss his future.

USC dominated Fresno State (11-2) so much that the future of USC’s best players, especially Lee, became a bigger talking point outside the locker room than the victory.

“I’m going to make my decision within the next two weeks,” Lee said. “I’ll meet with Sark and Haden first.”

Lee said he did not even send for an early evaluation from the NFL because he was not told about it. The evaluations are not really vital for a player with Lee’s ability, however, because he knows he will be a first-round pick.

Lee is expected to turn pro but said he knew he would improve if he returned for another season and also knows the Trojans will be better next year.

“I think I did an amazing job (if I left),” he said. “I was a team player.”

Sarkisian, who came down to the field and spoke to players after the game, needs to complete his coaching staff. Washington interim coach Marques Tuiasosopo has been offered the tight ends job at USC but could still remain with the Huskies.